Francille "Fran" Rose (DeGrood) Yahnke

Francille (Fran) Rose (DeGrood) Yahnke went to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 30, 2026. She was born in Winona on February 2, 1943, to Lambert and Anne DeGrood, and was the youngest of her eight siblings.

Fran graduated from Cotter High School and Winona State University with a degree in Education. While at Winona State, she was the editor of the paper, The Winonan, and was also named Campus Cover Girl.

She was a teacher for over 40 years and was the “favorite” teacher to hundreds of her students at Central and W-K schools. She ran the school patrol program and math masters, but more importantly, she welcomed into her classroom or home any student that needed a little extra time and attention. Many of her students did not have good home lives and would linger to help her in the classroom or just drop by the house to have a safe place to spend time. She truly made each person feel safe and loved.

On October 2, 1965, she married Michael (Mike) James Yahnke and they raised Sue and Jay. Her children were her pride and joy and she would do anything for them. Being a teacher, the summers were the favorite times for simple pleasures – golfing, riding bikes, going to Dairy Queen and the area pools.

She was then blessed with four grandkids that she adored. She was there for every event, game, pick up from school and playtime during summers. Her teaching continued after retirement, helping the grandkids with homework and studying. She deserves much of the credit for their successes as well.

We were fortunate that while early Alzheimer’s runs in the family, she escaped it until her mid-70’s. When she did experience the decline, Mike stepped up and provided her with the loving care she had provided him in their younger years. He was adamant that she remain at home and he made that happen.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Betty, Louise, John, Tom, Dick and Mary. She is survived by her husband, Mike; brother, Ed; daughter, Sue (Mike) Savat and son, Jay (Bradiann); grandchildren, Jake Savat, Alle Perkins, and Drew and Alayna Yahnke; and greatgrandchildren, Mila and Braxton Savat and Benton and Finley Perkins.

Fran will be remembered in a private family funeral and celebration of her life. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

Memorials can be directed to Winona Area Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Fran’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.